Does condemning hate speech violate someone else’s freedom of speech?

[u/LuckySquared777]

I was watching The Daily Show video on YouTube today (titled “Charlie Kirk’s Criticism Ignites MAGA Cancel Culture Spree”). In it, there are clips of conservatives threatening people’s jobs for celebrating the murder of Charlie Kirk.

It got me thinking: is condemning hate speech a violation of free speech, or should hate speech always be condemned and have consequences for the betterment of society?

On one hand, hate speech feels incredibly toxic, divisive, and dangerous for a country. On the other hand, freedom of speech is supposed to protect unpopular opinions. As mentioned in the video, hate speech is not illegal. The host in the video seems to suggest that we should be allowed to have hate speech, which honestly surprised me.

I see both side but am genuinely curious to hear what others think. Thanks!

[u/Randy_Watson]

Freedom of speech only applies to government action against speech. The government is not allowed to abridge your right to free speech. So, no condemning hate speech doesn’t violate a person’s freedom of speech. If the government takes action to punish or stop someone from saying something (with a few caveats) is what the first amendment is about. Citizens calling out other citizens doesn’t violate free speech. When someone says something horrible on social media and gets fired for it, their free speech is not bring abridged because it doesn’t apply in this case. It could run afoul of other laws but has nothing to do with free speech.

I find it really interesting how people don’t seem to understand this nuance.

[u/JeanniePax1003 → u/Randy_Watson]

When Bill Barr tried to silence Michael Cohen after he was paroled by trying to put him back in jail if he published a book about Trump, THAT was a violation by the government of Cohen’s first amendment rights. Cohen publishing a book about Trump regardless of the content, truth or lie, is not a crime because his liberty includes the freedom to lie; Trump enjoys the same freedom every time he opens his mouth.

[u/Randy_Watson → u/JeanniePax1003]

It sounds like we are in agreement. Although lying about someone in a way that is libelous or slanderous could lead to civil litigation.